Convenience Store 24: The Tower of the End 1st - Chapter 114



Only Krnovel

Episode 114: The Scales of Balance (1)

A while ago.

“… … .”

Alves put both hands on the table and thought. In the end, the agenda of ‘attacking the fantasy shop’ was put on hold.

The reason was that since the knight was also hit by a blow, we should approach more cautiously.

‘It’s risky to mess with someone whose abilities haven’t even been fully revealed.’

There are few people in this tower who are unaware of the rumor that the advance party disbanded after being destroyed by the bastard.

Moreover, there was even talk that he was the manager.

No matter how much I tried to calculate, I came to the conclusion that there was no use in messing with it.

‘But it’s also true that his abilities could threaten our lives at any time.’

If the fantasy shop owner changes the existing policy.

What if we just distributed special stamps in bulk to the raiders?

It is also clear that those whose main occupation is business will suffer a huge blow.

‘If I take all my clan members with me, will I have a chance of winning? It’s ambiguous, it’s ambiguous… ‘

I would like to bring all my manpower and pressure the store owner.

I want to touch him, but his weakness is a concern.

If we leave it like that, I worry about an uncertain future.

‘What on earth should I do… … .’

At that moment, a deep shadow was falling over Alves’ face.

Tiring-

[The evolution of the derivative ability ‘Evil Negotiation’ has been completed.]

[You have acquired the ability ‘Golden Contract’.]

A message appears before his eyes.

‘Oh, it finally happened. It took so damn long.’

His unique ability, ‘Evolving Merchant’, was a bit unusual.

The method of leveling up and obtaining new derived abilities is the same as other strategy guides, but there is one difference.

He can evolve his derivative abilities with gold coins.

It’s kind of like a tech tree.

And now, his bread and butter skill, ‘Evil Negotiation’, has evolved and finally reached the next level.

‘Let’s see if it’s worth paying 100,000 gold.’

Alves took a look at his newly acquired abilities.

Golden contract

Description: It is a basic duty of a merchant to present a contract that the other party cannot refuse.

Content: When using this ability, you present a golden contract that cannot be refused to the opponent. If the person who received the golden contract does not sign the contract, all of the target’s stats will be temporarily reduced by 1 per minute, and the stats will continue to be reduced until the contract is completed or until the stat reaches 5.

Special Note: These golden contracts are so valuable that they are limited in quantity. You will only be given one at first, but for every additional 20 points of intellect you increase, you will receive one more golden contract.

Limitations: This is a contract that cannot be refused, failing to do so will bring your character as a merchant into question.

‘This is… … .’

As Alves read the explanation, his eyes gradually began to form crescent moons.

‘Are you suggesting a contract that the other party cannot refuse? The other party’s stats will continue to decrease until they sign it?’

“Poohahahahahahahahahaha!”

Alves bursts into laughter while holding his own face.

‘This ability… is really crazy! It’s completely invincible! Maybe… … I could try it with the manager too?!’

The ability to continuously lower the opponent’s stats if they refuse a contract.

Who on earth could stand before this contract and refuse to sign it?

And Alves thinks for a moment.

Is it right to write this contract to the fantasy shop owner?

Couldn’t this contract be used for a better target?

However, Alves soon shook his head.

There is a philosophical quote that runs through his life, something he felt as he lived.

That’s right.

‘If you save it, it becomes shit’

Alves pulled himself together.

‘I must use it now. If I get my hands on the fantasy shopkeeper, I can control the pioneers and other raiders. Then this tower will be completely under my control.’

The thought of confronting the fantasy shopkeeper.

A picture is drawn in my head.

‘If I were to present this golden contract to the shopkeeper of fantasy, of course he would refuse.’

At that moment, his stats will decrease at a crazy rate.

Of course, the guy who finds out about this will fight back, but it doesn’t matter.

‘If I take all my clan members with me, this will be a fight I absolutely have no choice but to win. I’m a little concerned that I have to step forward to hand over the contract… ‘

If you want to capture the king, shouldn’t the king himself move?

‘Fantasy shopkeeper… … You will eventually have no choice but to bow your head to me. Those abilities of yours… … I will make thorough use of them.’

No, the fantasy shopkeeper is just the beginning of his golden future.

All the named raiders of this tower will bow their heads to him at some point.

“Ahahahahahahaha!”

* * *

‘Hoo… … .’

The target, Alves.

The clan leader of the Balance of Scales and the de facto ruler of the lower levels who controls the distribution network from floors 1 to 35.

The leader of all floor dealers and the person with real power who has close relationships with the rulers of each floor.

I never thought that he would show up in front of me.

‘I don’t think it has any combat-related abilities.’

And yet, you appear before me so confidently.

‘Is he a better guy than he looks? Or… … .’

I looked at the attackers positioned over Alves’ shoulder.

Including outstanding named characters such as Death Knight, Brain Emperor, and Magic Spearman.

A large number of attackers are gathered in one place.

‘Do you think it’ll be okay since there are that many clan members?’

I looked at their faces one by one and then suddenly…

I felt a strange sense of alienation.

‘It’s strange. Why can’t I see the other raiders and elves?’

Could it be that there was some tampering on the balance scales side?

‘Well, it doesn’t matter.’

It doesn’t matter who the other person is or what their purpose is when they come to the store.

The important thing is that if you are a customer, you should follow the convenience store’s rules.

If you don’t, you’ll just have to pay the price.

“Nice to meet you, I am the owner of the fantasy shop, Always Kkeuk-eun-ma-eum.”

“You don’t need such a grand introduction. There’s probably no one more famous than you in this tower right now. But, by the way, why do you wear a mask? Right? Usually, people who are suspicious try to hide their identity. Oh, don’t misunderstand. It’s just pure curiosity.”

Alves continues with a smile.

“Actually, I don’t really care about your identity. If your skills and abilities are solid, then what’s so important about your identity? And if we’re together, then one day I’ll be able to see the face under that mask.”

‘I wondered why the rambling was so long, but it turned out to be because of that.’

I’ve been through this situation so many times that I’m sick of it.

[You, be my colleague.]

[Don’t you want to become my right-hand man and lead the clan together?!]

Convenience stores clearly said that they aim to be neutral.

Not only that, but also all sorts of people from clans you’ve never heard of came to the convenience store.

In the end, one way or another, Alves’ purpose seemed clear.

“Ah, if it’s an offer to recruit a clan, I decline. Our fantasy shop basically aims to be neutral.”

“… … Neutrality? That’s a good word. Well, that’s what everyone says. It’s a word that only has meaning to those who have the power to protect it.”

Alves scratched his chin with a blank expression.

“But you messed with one of my clan members.”

‘You’re talking about the knight.’

But what do you know?

The number of guys who got beaten up and flew away after messing with me like that would already be a truckload.

“Really? I don’t even know who they are, there are so many of them.”

“Oh, really? So that’s how it came out?”

A wrinkle appeared between Alves’ eyebrows.

I smiled when I saw Alves like that.

“By the way, it seems like other guests are experiencing inconvenience because of you. If you are blocking other guests’ access, I will put you all on a blacklist and take appropriate measures.”

“Appropriate measures?”

Alves, laughing softly, took a step closer.

“Okay, let’s get this straight. My clan members are very important to me, and you messed with one of my clan members.”

“If someone is that precious, then the clan leader should be able to take responsibility for the mistakes of his clan members.”

“And your convenience store is undermining the order of the tower that our balance of scales has worked so hard to achieve.”

“Well, I’m also trying to maintain order in the tower. Aren’t you interfering with my order?”

Another wrinkle appeared between Alves’ eyebrows.

“You really don’t lose a word. Anyway, come join our clan. You have no right to refuse, this is not a proposal, it’s a notice. Golden contract.”

That moment.

Tiring-

[The target’s golden contract has been activated.]

Suddenly, a message appeared before my eyes.

A sheet of golden parchment appeared.

‘This is… … .’

[The contract terms are as follows.]

[1. Join the Fantasy Shopkeeper’s Balance of Scales Clan.]

[2. The shopkeeper of the fantasy will swear eternal loyalty to the Balance Scale Clan Leader, Alves.]

[Do you agree to the contract?]

[YES] [YES YES] [SUPER YES]

There is no button called NO.

Are you rejecting rejection?

This is a contract that would make even a wicked conman cry.

Tiring-

[The Golden Contract’s effect is taking effect.]

[Until the contract is signed, all stats are temporarily reduced by 1 every 10 seconds. Bundle invincibility is applied, preventing the contract of the Golden Contract.]

‘… Hmm? If you don’t sign the contract, your stats will decrease? No, that aside, you didn’t break the contract of the Golden Contract, you stopped it? This is a first for me.’

I glanced at the golden contract furtively.

‘Should we really get rid of that medium?’

“Until you accept the contract, this contract will follow you.”

“Hoo… … .”

“It’s not a bad deal. You get a strong supporter in the form of the Scales of Balance, and we can use the special stamps and limited-time ability items you have, so I guess it’s a win-win situation.”

Alves turned his head slightly to the side and pointed behind him.

“Even for you, wouldn’t it be difficult to deal with all those people?”

Just by estimating what is immediately visible, there are easily hundreds of clan members of the Balanced Scales, armed with weapons.

Looking at me.

“If you’re hoping for help from the elves and ents, you’d better give up. It’ll take quite some time to break through the barrier.”

I slowly raised my head.

Whew Whew Whew-

There is something like a translucent barrier installed above the sky.

‘That’s why the elves weren’t visible.’

I saw the golden contract floating in the air again.

An interesting thought comes to mind.

‘If the bundle invincibility is applied… … will it work?’

Turup-

“Yeah, that’s a reasonable choice. If you can’t win, you have to join… … .”

The target smiled proudly at the sight of me holding the golden contract.

The expression on his face changes in an instant.

Jjieeeek-

The golden contract in my hand is screaming.

At the sight of the contract cracking apart with screams.

Alves shouts urgently.

“Cancel! Cancel the Golden Contract! Cancel!”

But it’s no use.

Jjieeeeeek… … .

WHACK!

“Nooooooooooo!”

With Alves’ screams.

Half in the left hand, half in the right hand.

I let go of the strength in both my hands.

The miserable remains of the golden contract, split exactly in half, fall down.

And at that moment.

Cool!

Alves staggered, vomiting blood.

Clan members who appeared to be his entourage rushed out and supported Alves.

“Alves! Are you okay?”

“The… … reaction of the ability… … .”

“Take Alves away! You crazy shopkeeper!”

“Coercion, interference with business, threats… … It’s hard to see them as customers. Then… … I guess there’s no need to treat them with respect anymore.”

Alves, with blood dripping from the corner of his mouth, glared at me with venomous eyes.

“Today the fantasy shop will be erased from the tower.”

“Congratulations. This is your 1,000th time telling that story.”

“Don’t be so arrogant about defeating the advance party… … We are stronger than the advance party. Strike!”

With Alves’s roar.

Someone steps forward.

“What a fool! Why did he choose to be punished?”

Urrrrrrrr-

As a loud thunderclap echoed from his body.

Cheers were heard from behind.

“It’s the Brain Emperor!”

This time, another person walks out.

“We’re old friends, right? Let’s treat each other properly today.”

As the hatchling flying above his head let out a long howl.

Cheers erupt again.

“Knight! Knight!”

Besides that, it’s like the X Avengers, with this guy and that guy walking out…

‘What? So I’m Taros?’

I think the mood has been set to some extent.

The brainwashing master shouts out loud.

“No questions asked!”

The moment when the brain emperor’s knees slightly bend and then straighten.

The brainwashing machine disappeared from everyone’s sight.

No, I thought it was gone.

Hwaaaaak-

The brainwashing machine suddenly appeared behind me.

A powerful blow filled with the energy of a thunderbolt, accompanied by a ripping noise.

“Realize that there is a heaven above the heaven, dear!”

It’s stuck in my back… … .

“Ha-am.”

What comes out is a long yawn.

The brain is startled.

“Thunderbolt!”

“Brain ball!”

“Brain rights!”

Phage, phage, phage!

All kinds of brain attacks hit me.

I asked back with a bored look in my eyes.

“Are you done?”

“Ugh… … !”

“It looks like he’s the one who polarized the electrical resistance! Back off, Brain Emperor!”

This time, it’s a joint attack between the knight and the magician.

With the dragon’s breath, sharp spears fly in, forming an eerie vortex.

And then I made a decision.

“Hmm. There’s too much to handle with just fists. Let’s try something new.”

Kukwakwakwa-!

A strong breath came out and engulfed the convenience store.

I muttered quietly.

“Pop-up store.”

Paching-

A large parasol stands in front of me.

And, the members of the Balance of Balance clan are still shocked at the sight of me and the convenience store, who are still fine.

The knight takes a step back.

Machangsa goes one step further.

“How many resistance items did you put on? Are you really the administrator…?”

“No! There’s definitely damage! Let’s go again!”

and.

I fiddled with the parasol.

‘Is it there?’

Oh, there it is.

Clank-

Grab the protruding part at the top of the parasol pole and pull.

The parasol folded into a shape similar to a giant umbrella.

Swish-

I finished the procedure.

Finally, he pulled out the parasol.

“This works.”

The running warrior shouts and lunges at me.

“Die! Monster! You idiot! Death Spear!”

“Parasol Swing.”

Wheein-

Kwaaang!

Kwarrrrrrrrrr… … .

“Eww!”

“It’s a typhoon!”

Behind the Machangsa who flew away without even leaving a scream.

The aftershock of the swing hit.

Let the sand and stones blow in the strong wind.

People staggering around, unable to control their bodies.

“After all, people must use weapons.”

A scream erupted from across from me as I muttered contentedly.

* * *

‘F*ck F*ck F*ck! The rumors about you being the manager were true. If not, then it doesn’t make sense! It doesn’t make sense!’

“The rumors… … were not wrong… … .”

The Death Knight spoke with a trembling voice.

Alves cursed inwardly.

‘I know that much!’

But I already felt it.

That’s an overwhelming difference in power.

To the point where I thought that if I could just get out of here safely, that would be enough.

‘Just get out of here! Just get out of here!’

Once you get out of the store owner’s realm.

After that, everything will work out somehow.

At that time.

“hmm…….”

The shop owner approaches him.

“Uh, uh uh… … Uh uh… … .”

“If you do something wrong, you have to pay the price. Right?”

“That… … What… … .”

A deep smile appears on the lips visible under the mask.

“Don’t even think about running away. Take out that golden contract, because I have a [contract] to make with you.”

* * *

A few days later.

Thud, thud-

“It’s fun, haha! It’s fun… … hahaha… … .”

Clan members who were once part of the Scales of Balance.

But now, they are clearing farmland while wearing rags.

“699… … 700… … . 300 left… … .”

And some clan members were collecting berries with their eyes wide open.

Each time the speed of collecting berries slows down.

[Hoooooooo! Don’t slack off, Worker 89! You are the great sinners of Elasium! You must work hard until your term of imprisonment is over!]

The Ents who were supervising and managing them gave a scolding.

Alves was blankly gazing at the vast forest and the farm that was being cleared.

He thought blankly.

‘… … What on earth am I doing here?’